The scent of freshly baked bread fills the kitchen in under an hour. Irish Soda Bread with Savory Herb Butter delivers a crisp golden crust and soft, tender interior without yeast or long rising times. Slice it warm and spread it thick with garlic herb butter for a simple, satisfying treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• No yeast required
• Ready in under an hour
• Crisp crust with tender crumb
• Perfect with soups and stews
• Simple pantry ingredients

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

Ingredients

For the Soda Bread:

• 4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1¾ cups buttermilk

For the Savory Herb Butter:

• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme
• 1 small garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp salt

No buttermilk? Mix 1¾ cups milk with 1½ tbsp lemon juice and let sit 5 minutes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Whisk flour, baking soda, salt, and sugar in a large bowl.
3. Pour in buttermilk. Stir until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Turn dough onto a floured surface. Shape gently into a round loaf.
5. Place on baking sheet. Cut a deep cross on top.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and hollow-sounding.
7. Cool slightly before slicing.
8. Mix butter, parsley, thyme, garlic, and salt until smooth.
9. Spread herb butter over warm slices.

Irish Soda Bread with Savory Herb Butter tastes best slightly warm from the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Serve alongside Irish lamb stew, beef and barley soup, or simply with tea. Slice thick and toast leftovers the next day.

Quick Tips and Variations

• Add ½ cup shredded cheddar for extra flavor.
• Brush with melted butter after baking for a softer crust.
• Store wrapped at room temperature up to 2 days.

FAQs

PAA1: Why do you cut a cross in Irish soda bread?

The cross helps the bread bake evenly and allows steam to escape.

PAA2: Can I make soda bread without buttermilk?

Yes. Use milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.

PAA3: How do I know when soda bread is done?

Tap the bottom. It should sound hollow and feel firm.

PAA4: Can I freeze Irish soda bread?

Yes. Wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months.

Conclusion

Irish Soda Bread with Savory Herb Butter delivers rustic flavor, crisp crust, and tender crumb in every slice. Bake it once, and it will become your go-to quick bread for cozy meals.

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